Research Misconduct

Seattle University, through its commitment to academic excellence and
ethical leadership, strives to promote a climate of honesty in research. The
University has established a policy on misconduct in research applicable to all
research at the institution.

It is the responsibility of
deans, department chairpersons, program directors, faculty advisers, and
individual investigators to familiarize themselves with IRB policies and
procedures. The University regards any infringement of these policies and
procedures as a serious breach of professional standards. The University's
willingness to defend researchers in litigation depends on strict adherence to
policies and procedures regarding IRB approval. Interpretation of applicability
of IRB rules and regulations are solely the legal right and responsibility of
the IRB. General policy questions regarding human subjects research should be
directed to the attention of the IRB (irb@seattleu.edu).

Misconduct in Research Policy

For the purposes of IRB policy, research misconduct means knowing and willful non-compliance with requirements of the conduct of research involving human subjects.

Examples of research misconduct might include any of the following:

failing to seek IRB approval before beginning research with human subjects, whether knowingly or inadvertently

failing to seek renewal of IRB approval following the lapse of such approval

failing to report adverse events with human subjects

modifying a research protocol without consulting IRB

failing to adequately report risks to human subjects

failing to secure and properly document informed consent

The University and the IRB recognize that honest errors are an inevitable part of the research process. To distinguish instances of knowing and willful research misconduct from “honest” errors, simple carelessness, and minor infractions, the IRB will conduct a for-cause audit, according to the following procedures.

For-cause Audit

Under 45 CFR 46.113 requirements, this review is performed when concerns regarding compliance, protocol adherence, or subject safety are brought to the attention of the IRB or the IRB Monitor. This audit may take place on-site or on the Seattle University campus, at the discretion of the IRB, and may include review of:

Protocol file/regulatory documentation

IRB Documentation

Consent/Assent Forms

Individual Participant Records. A random sample to determine if :

The participants met the inclusion/exclusion criteria for the study.

Study related procedures are performed according to the protocol.

Study related procedures are scheduled and performed per the study time line.

Data is recorded and stored securely as described in the Consent Form.

Documents that may be selected for review include, but are not limited to:

Regulatory submissions and associated IRB correspondence

Changes in the protocol and associated IRB correspondence

Review of any lapses in IRB approvals

Review of eligibility criteria

Review of all informed consents

Review of subject accrual and recruitment practices

Review of data collection tools and procedures

Review of adverse event reporting (including timeliness of reports to the IRB, Sponsor and other regulatory agency.

Review of protocol deviations (including timeliness of reports to the IRB, Sponsor and other regulatory bodies)

Review of continuing review reports

Audit Reports will be conducted by a member of the IRB staff and at least one IRB board member. In the case of a for cause audit, the IRB may request a 100% audit of study participant’s records and/or collected data.

The Report will be presented to the entire Board at the next scheduled IRB Meeting. Subsequently, notification of observations of noncompliance will be sent to the PI with a detailed explanation of the basis for the findings.

Actions will not be taken by the IRB against any investigator or project without providing the investigator an opportunity to provide information in writing that might mitigate or refute an adverse finding.

University faculty, staff, and students who are found to be in violation of IRB
policies and/or Research Misconduct may be subject to sanctions relating to
their participation in research involving human subjects. Depending on the
severity of the violation, sanctions may involve a written warning, temporary
suspension of the research, termination of the research, or the permanent
destruction of collected research data. Actions taken by the IRB and the
University also will be subject to Federal reporting guidelines.